Light-Activated Microtransponders for Tissue Carrier Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tagging systems for histopathology slides and cassettes are hindered by large tag sizes, high costs, and inability to withstand harsh chemical solvents, making them unsuitable for reliable identification and tracking of tissue specimens under various conditions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ultra-small, light-activated microtransponders (MTPs) into the framework or surface of tissue cassettes and glass slides, which are chemically stable and resistant to solvent degradation, allowing for permanent and efficient identification using a dedicated reader system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID tagging systems are used for histopathology slides and cassettes, then identification functionality is provided, but the tags are large in size, high in cost, and unable to withstand harsh chemical solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional RFID tags with light-activated microtransponders (MTPs) that use optical excitation instead of electromagnetic induction. This substitution enables the use of much smaller device dimensions (micrometer scale) while maintaining identification functionality and improving chemical resistance, as the MTPs can be embedded within the histopathology slide or cassette structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the identification system by using light activation (optical domain) instead of radio frequency activation (electromagnetic domain). This parameter change allows the transponder to be triggered by a laser beam, enabling smaller size and better integration with tissue specimens while maintaining reliable identification under various chemical and temperature conditions
2Reliability
If conventional RFID tags are used, then identification is provided, but the cost is high and the tags fail under harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable histopathology slides and cassettes that are pre-integrated with MTPs during manufacturing. This approach eliminates the need for separate, expensive RFID tag applications and enables cost-effective identification functionality to be included as a standard feature of single-use tissue carriers, improving both reliability and cost-efficiency
3Reliability
If light-activated microtransponders are integrated into tissue carriers, then reliable identification and tracking is achieved, but additional integration steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-integrating MTPs into histopathology slides and cassettes during the manufacturing process. This ensures that every tissue carrier leaves the factory with a functional identification tag already embedded, eliminating the need for separate tagging steps in the laboratory and improving reliability while standardizing the integration process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The MTP system provides reliable, cost-effective, and accurate identification and tracking of tissue specimens, minimizing misidentification and label failures, while withstanding extreme temperatures and chemical solvents, thus enhancing sample preservation and management in histopathology laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
light-activated microtransponders (MTPs)
Implementation Method 2
reading by an RF coil of the MTP-reader
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein, among other things, is an assembly consisting of a tissue cassette or slide and an affixed transponder.